'Operations British front in the vicinity of the Foret de Mormal, 5th November 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the above operations Corporal O'Donnell's Company was in support. When the locating Company was held up, he took his Lewis gun section forward to the flank, and bringing fire to bear on an enemy machine gun post put it out of action. Then he worked forward on the flank and as he came in contact with the enemy posts in succession he brought his gun into action and on every occasion turned the enemy out. He rendered great service and was a source of inspiration to his men throughout the day.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 3 July 1919

Regimental number	49255
Place of birth	Australia
Occupation	Surfaceman
Next of kin	Wife, Mrs Mary Ann O'Donnell, Roper's Bush, Southland
Rank on embarkation	Sergeant
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 33rd Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Regiment, D Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 99 Athenic on 31 December 1917
Final rank	Corporal
Final unit	2nd Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment
Medals	Military Medal 'Operations British front in the vicinity of the Foret de Mormal, 5th November 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the above operations Corporal O'Donnell's Company was in support. When the locating Company was held up, he took his Lewis gun section forward to the flank, and bringing fire to bear on an enemy machine gun post put it out of action. Then he worked forward on the flank and as he came in contact with the enemy posts in succession he brought his gun into action and on every occasion turned the enemy out. He rendered great service and was a source of inspiration to his men throughout the day.' Source: London Gazette Date: 3 July 1919
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 3: Roll 76, p. 12